Minor (U16) Emergency Re-Entry Visa Applications in Ireland

Travelling abroad as a non-EU Minor (Under 16) resident in Ireland can be stressful, especially when unexpected hurdles arise. For families, the process of obtaining an emergency re-entry visa can be daunting, but with proper preparation and guidance, it’s possible to navigate this system effectively. In this blog, I’ll explore the steps, requirements, and community insights to help you secure an emergency re-entry visa for urgent travel needs.

Image promoting a blog post on emergency re-entry visas in Ireland for non-EU minors (U16), featuring a webinar screenshot and key topics discussed.

Why Emergency Re-Entry Visas are Necessary

Airlines often refuse boarding without proof of residency or a re-entry visa for non-EU Minor (U16) residents. While re-entry visas are only granted in exceptional circumstances—such as medical emergencies or compassionate grounds—they can be crucial for ensuring smooth travel.

Community members have shared their frustrations about these requirements:

"I want to travel peacefully. I’d rather get the emergency visa than deal with complications at the airport!"

Essential Requirements Before Applying

Before requesting an emergency re-entry visa, you must have:

✅ A confirmed flight ticket.

✅ A written response from the airline stating they require proof of residency or advising you to check with the embassy.

Tips for Contacting Airlines

💡 Use email instead of phone calls to ensure you have written documentation for your application.

💬 "I got a reply from the airline saying they can't advise on visa types because they're just a carrier."

💬 "If you're flying Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways, you may not need to worry. Other airlines may require a visa."

An example of an acceptable response from airlines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Follow these steps to submit your request via the INIS Digital Contact Centre:

1️⃣ Go to: Irish Immigration Portal.

2️⃣ Register (if you haven’t already).

3️⃣ Click: “Submit Query” on the homepage.

4️⃣ Select Category: Registration – IRP Card Queries.

5️⃣ Choose Subtype: Re-Entry Visa.

6️⃣ Select Topic: I would like to request an Emergency Re-Entry Visa.

🚨 Important: You only have one text box and one attachment slot, so be concise and include all necessary documents in a single PDF file.

Required Documentation

Your submission must include:

✔ Flight ticket.

✔ Airline response (email/screenshot confirming their requirement).

✔ Child’s biometric passport page.

✔ Parent’s IRP card (front and back).

✔ Proof of child’s residency (e.g., letter from school or GP).

Tech Tips for Document Preparation

💡 Use free online tools such as ILovePDF or SmallPDF to merge all documents into one file. If you’re working with physical documents, use a Scanner to convert them into PDFs.

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Short Appointment Notice

Some applicants receive appointment dates close to their travel plans, causing stress and uncertainty. For example:

Travel date: 21st June; Appointment date: 12th June.

✅ Solution: Apply as early as possible and emphasize urgency in your submission.

Issue 2: In-Person Appointment at Burgh Quay

Currently, appointments must be attended in person, and only single-entry visas are issued—valid for specific travel dates only.

✅ Solution: Advocate for digitalization of the process to enable e-visas or electronic travel authorizations (ETAs).

Community Insights and Frustrations

Families who have gone through this process have expressed their concerns:

💬 "They used to issue multi-entry visas valid for 1–2 years before suspension. Now parents go through a long process just for a single-entry visa—it makes no sense!"

💬 "More and more people will start applying, and this will create chaos. They are making extra work for themselves!"

Despite these frustrations, community members encourage patience and persistence:

"I applied last week, got an appointment today, and they issued a visa only for my travel dates."

Conclusion

Navigating Ireland’s emergency re-entry visa process can be challenging, but with thorough preparation and attention to detail, it’s possible to avoid unnecessary stress during travel planning. By following the outlined steps and leveraging community insights, families can ensure smoother experiences while advocating for improvements in the system.

Call to Action

📢 Need support? Join our WhatsApp group for real-time updates and shared experiences from other travellers navigating this process—we’d love to hear from you!